Seroma Formation Assessment after Axillary Node Dissection using Ligasure versus Cautery in Mehrad Hospital during 2012-2014

Introduction & Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is an integral part of breast cancer treatment، and about 40 to 50 percent of these patients suffer from malignant cells. The placement of drain in axilla after operation is a current surgical practice. Low surgical complication programs increase operation efficacy and reduce medical care costs without compromising. Ligasure is a new hemostatic device that uses bipolar energy to seal vessles. The aim of this study is to determine whether axillary dissection with ligasure reduces the time of wound drainage، the duration of surgical intervention and volume of drainage after treatment. This study is a prospective randomized control trial. A total of 120 women with breast cancer who needed axillary dissection، were randomly distributed into ligasure and Conventional groups. Level І - ІІ node Dissection was performed. A closed suction drain was placed in the axilla and was removed after 7 days، or when seroma amount was less than 60 cc. 0 There was a significant difference between Ligasure and conventional groups. The total amount of lymphocele and seroma formation duration was significantly reduced in ligasure group، while total complication rate of hemorrhade. Nerve injury infection and surgery time، was less in ligasure group. This study and review articles led us to suggest that more assessment is needed in order to confirm the use of this devise in axillary dissection for breast cancer.